KR20230110499A - Coupling device and cryogenic refueling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling device 2 for the cryogenic refueling device 1 includes a main valve 9; an exhaust valve 10 connected in parallel to the main valve 9 and serving to discharge a volume 33 provided downstream of the main valve 9 and the exhaust valve 10, to prepare the coupling device 2 for refueling operation; a housing (4) enclosing an additional volume (7) in which the main valve (9) and the exhaust valve (10) are arranged; and a shut-off valve 8 provided in the housing 4 and accessible by means of which the volume 7 surrounded by the housing 4 is accessible.

Description

Coupling device and cryogenic refueling device

The present invention relates to a coupling device for a cryogenic refueling device and a cryogenic refueling device having such a coupling device.

In cryogenic refueling devices, a dead volume is created in the coupling device when the coupling device is coupled to, for example, a vehicle. It has to be removed and flushed with atmospheric air or an undesirable medium, for example via a refueling hose or a refueling pipe system of a coupling device. According to Applicant's in-house findings, with some cryogenic refueling devices, flushing of the entire refueling hose or refueling pipe system can present problems that must be configured from a process engineering point of view, in the same way that cold operation of the refueling hose or refueling pipe system prior to coupling may not be possible if the dead volume has to be evacuated through the cryogenic charging hose or refueling pipe system. Since the dead volume may contain humidity, this can cause ice to form in the refueling hose or refueling pipe system and on valve components, for example. This should be prevented.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved coupling device.

Accordingly, a coupling device for a cryogenic refueling device is proposed. The coupling device comprises a main valve, an exhaust valve for discharging a volume provided downstream of the main valve and the exhaust valve to prepare the coupling device for refueling operation, a housing enclosing an additional volume in which the main valve and the exhaust valve are arranged, and a shut-off valve provided in the housing and accessible by means of the volume surrounded by the housing.

In a further development, a coupling device for a cryogenic refueling device is proposed. The coupling device includes a main valve and an exhaust valve connected in parallel to the main valve, the exhaust valve being configured to discharge a volume provided downstream of the main valve and the exhaust valve to prepare the coupling device for refueling operation.

Since an exhaust valve is provided, the dead volume is minimized. By designing the main and exhaust valves as operable valves, refueling operations can be performed automatically, for example using cryogenic fluids.

Since the shut-off valve, which makes the volume enclosed by the housing accessible, is provided in the housing, the technical effect that components or parts provided or arranged in the volume, such as couplings arranged downstream of the main valve and the exhaust valve, is shielded from the periphery of the coupling device can be achieved. As a result, for example, freezing of water vapor or gas to these parts can be prevented reliably. Thus, it is possible to always keep these parts dry.

Preferably, the main valve and the exhaust valve are arranged next to each other and connected in parallel to one another by suitable pipework or by suitable lines. "Parallel connection" is preferably understood to mean an arrangement in which the main valve and the exhaust valve are arranged next to each other or adjacent to each other such that a fluid, for example a cryogenic fluid, can flow through the main valve or the exhaust valve or both the main valve and the exhaust valve. In contrast, series connection can be considered where fluid must always flow continuously through both the main valve and the exhaust valve.

The main valve and exhaust valve can each be designed as an open/closed valve. In the present case, the fact that the volume is provided “downstream” of the main valve and exhaust valve means in particular that the volume is arranged downstream of the main valve and exhaust valve in the flow direction of the cryogenic fluid flowing through the coupling device. For example, the coupling device is particularly suitable for refueling storage tanks with cryogenic fluids. The cryogenic fluid can be, for example, liquid hydrogen, monosilane, ethylene, and the like.

The shut-off valve is preferably a ball valve or may be referred to as a ball valve. The shut-off valve can be moved from a closed state to an open state and vice versa. In the open state, the volume enclosed by the housing is accessible through the shut-off valve. In the present case, "accessible" means in particular that a component or part can be inserted into the volume through the shut-off valve, or that the component or part can be pushed or guided out of the volume through the shut-off valve. The main valve and the exhaust valve are in particular arranged in a housing enclosing the volume.

According to one embodiment, the exhaust valve is pneumatically actuated.

This enables automated operation of the exhaust valve. However, the exhaust valve may be operated in any manner. The main valve can also be actuated pneumatically.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a coupling running away from the main valve and a line running from the exhaust valve toward the coupling and in fluid communication with the coupling, the volume being surrounded by the coupling and the line.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a coupling leading away from the main valve, the coupling being arranged in a volume enclosed by the housing, the coupling being accessible by the shut-off valve.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a line running from the exhaust valve towards the coupling and in fluid communication with the coupling, the volume provided downstream of the main valve and the exhaust valve is surrounded by the coupling and the line.

This means that the volume of coupling and line is provided. Preferably, in each case, a line runs from the coupling provided in the housing of the coupling device to the main valve and the exhaust valve. Since the coupling is arranged in a volume enclosed by the housing, it is possible, as described above, to shield the coupling from the surroundings of the coupling device. As a result, freezing of water vapor or gases in the coupling is reliably prevented. Thus, the coupling can always be kept dry. Thus, the shut-off valve protects or shields the cold coupling.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a housing having a first wall and a second wall received within the first wall, the main valve and the exhaust valve being arranged inside the second wall.

According to a further embodiment, the housing has a first wall and a second wall received within the first wall, the main valve and the exhaust valve being arranged inside the second wall.

This means in particular that the housing is double walled.

According to a further embodiment, the second wall encloses the volume enclosed by the housing.

This means in particular that the second wall limits or defines the volume enclosed by the housing. The main valve, exhaust valve and coupling are placed within this aforementioned volume.

According to a further embodiment, the main valve and exhaust valve are arranged in parallel with respect to each other.

In particular, the main valve and the exhaust valve are arranged next to or adjacent to each other. This can be achieved structurally, for example, in such a way that the exhaust valve is accommodated in the valve piston or valve body of the main valve, in particular movably mounted therein or on top of it. The main valve and exhaust valve can be operated independently of each other.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a shut-off valve provided on the housing, whereby the volume enclosed by the second wall is accessible.

This shut-off valve is in particular an open/closed valve. The receptacle connector fitted to the coupling device may also include such a shut-off valve.

In addition, a cryogenic refueling device having such a coupling device and a receptacle connector to which the coupling device can be coupled is proposed.

The coupling device can be inserted into the receptacle connector or vice versa. A refueling operation can then be performed automatically.

According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector comprises a first engagement element, the coupling device comprises a first mating engagement element corresponding to the first engagement element, and the first engagement element engages at the first mating engagement element in a mating manner at a first position of the coupling device.

For example, the first engagement element may be a displaceable pin. The first counter-engaging element may be a corresponding recess or bore. The mating connection is created by engaging the at least two connection partners internally or posteriorly to each other, in this case a first engagement element and a first counter-engagement element.

According to another embodiment, the coupling device includes a second engagement element, the receptacle connector includes a second mating engagement element corresponding to the second engagement element, and the second engagement element engages in a mating manner at the second mating engagement element at a second position of the coupling device different from the first position.

The second engagement element can be, for example, a displaceable pin. The second mating engagement element may be a corresponding recess or bore.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling device and the receptacle connector are further pushed into each other in the second position than in the first position.

According to a further embodiment, the refueling operation can only be started in the second position.

In this instance, the singular ("a(n)") is not necessarily to be construed as limiting to exactly one element. Rather, several elements may be present, such as two, three or more. Any other numerical words used herein are also not to be construed as implying an exact limitation to exactly the corresponding number of elements. Rather, upward or downward numerical differences are possible.

Further possible implementations of the coupling device and/or the cryogenic refueling device also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below for exemplary embodiments not explicitly mentioned. A person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to certain basic forms of the coupling device and/or cryogenic refueling device.

Further advantageous embodiments of the coupling device and/or cryogenic refueling device are the subject of the dependent claims and exemplary embodiments of the coupling device and/or cryogenic refueling device described below. Furthermore, the coupling device and/or the cryogenic refueling device are described below in more detail with reference to the attached drawings based on preferred embodiments.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cryogenic refueling device.

Figure 2 shows a further schematic diagram of the cryogenic refueling device.

Figure 3 shows a further schematic diagram of the cryogenic refueling device.

4 shows a further schematic diagram of the cryogenic refueling device.

In the drawings, elements that are identical or functionally equivalent are provided with like reference numerals unless indicated otherwise.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a cryogenic refueling device assembly 1 . The cryogenic refueling device 1 includes a coupling device 2 and a receptacle connector 3 for accommodating the coupling device 2 . The receptacle connector 3 can at least partially receive the coupling device 2 . For this purpose, the receptacle connector 3 may have a receiving portion or receiving area. The coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 can be connected to each other and disconnected from each other again. In particular, the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 can be connected to each other in the form of a plug socket principle. Coupling device 2 and receptacle connector 3 are designed to be complementary to each other for this purpose. For example, the cryogenic refueling device 1 is suitable for the purpose of refueling a storage tank with cryogenic fluid. The cryogenic fluid can be, for example, liquid hydrogen, monosilane, ethylene, and the like.

The coupling device 2 comprises a housing 4 having an outer or first wall 5 and a second wall 6 received within the inner or first wall 5 . The housing 4 encloses the first volume 7 . In particular, the second wall 6 encloses the first volume 7 . Coupling device 2 has a shut-off valve 8 . A shut-off valve (8) allows fluid access to the first volume (7). Shut-off valve 8 can be a valve, in particular an open/closed valve. The shut-off valve 8 can be designed as an openable and closeable flap, slider or the like. Shut-off valve 8 may be a ball valve or may be referred to as a ball valve.

Coupling device 2 has a main valve 9 and an exhaust valve 10 . The main valve 9 and exhaust valve 10 are preferably open/closed valves. The main valve 9 , the exhaust valve 10 and the shut-off valve 8 can be operated by the control device 11 . The main valve 9 and exhaust valve 10 can preferably be operated automatically. The main valve 9 and exhaust valve 10 can be operated independently of each other. The main valve 9 and the exhaust valve 10 are arranged in the housing 4 , in particular inside the second wall 6 , ie in the first volume 7 .

The main valve 9 and exhaust valve 10 are connected in parallel to each other. This means that the main valve 9 and exhaust valve 10 are arranged next to each other or adjacent to each other. This can be achieved structurally, for example, by integrating the exhaust valve 10 into the main valve 9 . For example, the valve piston or valve body of the exhaust valve 10 may be movably mounted within a valve bore provided in the valve piston or valve body of the main valve 9 .

A line (13) runs from the coupling (12) to the main valve (9). The coupling 12 can be arranged at least partly outside the housing 4 . Coupling 12 is in particular vacuum insulated. A male coupling (14) leads away from the main valve (9). The coupling 14 is arranged within the housing 4 , in particular within the second wall 6 , ie within the first volume 7 . The coupling 14 is accessible through an open shut-off valve 8 from the area surrounding the cryogenic refueling device 1 . Line 16 runs from coupling 15 to exhaust valve 10 . A further line 17 leads away from the exhaust valve 10 and opens into the coupling 14 . Line 13 and line 16 are two separate lines. The main valve 9 is suitable for shutting off or releasing the line 13. Exhaust valve 10 is suitable for shutting off or releasing line 16.

Since the coupling 14 is arranged in the first volume 7 , it is accessible only through the shut-off valve 8 . Thus, the coupling 14 is shielded from the environment of the cryogenic refueling device 1 . This prevents freezing of water vapor or gas in the coupling 14 . Therefore, the coupling 14 cannot be iced on and always remains dry.

The first volume 7 is accessible via line 18 . The first volume 7 can be relieved or evacuated, for example via line 18 . For this purpose, a vacuum pump 19 can be arranged in the coupling device 2 . In addition, the start/stop button 20 can also be arranged on the coupling device 2 . The refueling operation can be started and stopped using the start/stop button 20 .

Returning to the receptacle connector 3 , it comprises a housing 21 enclosing a third volume 22 . Also provided is a second volume, which will be discussed below. A shut-off valve 23 is arranged in the receptacle connector 3 . The shut-off valves 8 and 23 can be arranged opposite to each other. Shut-off valve 23 may also be a ball valve or may be referred to as such. Receptacle connector 3 further includes a vacuum insulated coupling 24 and a user valve 25 . The user valve 25 can be opened and closed by the user.

The receptacle connector 3 comprises a first engagement element 26 which can be engaged in a mating manner with a first mating engagement element 27 of the coupling device 2 . This means that the coupling device 2 can be locked into the receptacle connector 3 . For example, the first engagement element 26 can be movably mounted such that it can be engaged and disengaged from the first counter engagement element 27 . For example, the first engagement element 26 may be actuated pneumatically or hydraulically. As soon as the first engagement element 26 and the first mating engagement element 27 mate, the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 are in the first position.

The coupling device 2 further comprises a second engagement element 28 adapted to engage a corresponding second mating engagement element 29 of the receptacle connector 3 . For example, the second engagement element 28 can be movably mounted such that it can be engaged and disengaged from the second mating engagement element 29 . For example, the second engagement element 28 may be actuated pneumatically or hydraulically. As soon as the second engagement element 28 and the second mating engagement element 29 mate, the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 are positioned in a second position different from the first position. In the second position, the coupling device 2 is further pushed into the receptacle connector 3 as seen along the longitudinal direction L of the cryogenic refueling device 1 than in the first position. A first temperature measuring point 30 is connected upstream of the coupling 12 . A second temperature measuring point 31 is connected downstream of the coupling 24 .

The function of the cryogenic refueling device 1 is explained below. First, the cryogenic refueling device 1 is in the initial state shown in FIG. 2 . In the initial state, the coupling device 2 is locked to the resting station in the previously mentioned second position P2. This means that the second engagement element 28 and the second counter engagement element 29 are engaged with each other. The main valve 9 is closed. Exhaust valve 10 is open. The user valve 25 is closed. The pressure and temperature of the fifth volume 32 (hatched) and the sixth volume 33 (hatched) are undefined. Also provided is a fourth volume, which will be described below. A sixth volume 33 is provided to the coupling 14 , the line 17 and the coupling 24 . Couplings 14 and 24 are meshed with each other. For this purpose, for example, the coupling 14 can be guided to the coupling 24 via an open shut-off valve 8 , 23 . Via the exhaust valve 10, the sixth volume 33 can be evacuated or compressed with a suitable gas, for example hydrogen.

This is followed by a cooling process. The start of the cooling process is automated. Alternating pressure flushing of the fifth volume 32 takes place. Alternating pressure flushing may be performed, for example, with gaseous hydrogen. Then, the fifth volume 32 is evacuated via line 18, and a vacuum holding test is performed. If the vacuum holding test is positive, the process continues. If the vacuum hold test is negative, the process is stopped and an error routine is performed. Exhaust valve 10 is open. An alternating pressure flushing and pressure holding test of the sixth volume 33 is performed. This alternating pressure flushing can also be performed with gaseous hydrogen. If the pressure retention test is positive, the process continues. If the pressure hold test is negative, the process is stopped and an error routine is performed.

The delivery of the cryogenic fluid may start as soon as the temperature of the second temperature measurement point 31 corresponds to a temperature higher than the temperature of the first temperature measurement point 30 by 10K. The main valve 9 is open. The exhaust valve 10 is closed. The user valve 25 is open. The fifth volume 32 is evacuated. The sixth volume 33 is depressurized and cooled. The temperature of the sixth volume 33 corresponds to the temperature of the second temperature measuring point 31 . The cooling process is completed as soon as the target temperature is reached at the second temperature measuring point 31 .

Figure 3 shows the cryogenic refueling device 1 after a cooling process, after the end of a refueling operation or after emergency disconnection by the user. First, delivery of the cryogenic fluid is stopped. A subprocess follows to release the lock of the coupling device (2) and the receptacle connector (3). When release occurs, the process continues. If release does not occur, the process is stopped and an error routine is performed. Alternating pressure flushing of the sixth volume 33 is performed via the coupling 15 . Then, the exhaust valve 10 is closed.

The vacuum in fifth volume 32 is relieved via line 18. The second position P2 is unlocked such that the second engagement element 28 is disengaged from the second mating engagement element 29 . The fifth volume 32 is compressed with a gaseous cryogenic fluid via line 18 such that the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 move away from each other. Isolation valves 8 and 23 are still open so that volumes 7 and 22 are fluidly connected to each other to form a common fourth volume 34 .

The pressure in the fourth volume 34 is gradually increased until the coupling device 2 is in the first position P1 and can be locked therein by the first engagement element 26 and the first mating engagement element 27. After locking in the first position P1, the fourth volume 34 is relieved via line 18, for example to 1.2 bara. The main valve 9 is closed. Unlocking and pneumatic pushing-out is completed when a switch or sensor disposed on the first engagement element 26 and the first mating engagement element 27 outputs information that the first engagement element 26 and the first mating engagement element 27 are locked to each other.

As shown in Figure 4, shut-off valves 8 and 23 are then closed. Closing can be triggered by an automatic control or start/stop button 20 . A second volume 35 is provided between the closed shut-off valves 8 and 23 . The coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 are still locked in the first position P1. After unlocking the first engagement element 26 and the first counter engagement element 27, the coupling device 2 can be disconnected from the receptacle connector.

To couple the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 , the coupling process is started by means of the start/stop button 20 . Subsequently, a check is made as to whether the coupling device 2 is received in the receptacle connector in such a way that the first engagement element 26 can engage the first counter engagement element 27 . In this case, the coupling device 2 and the receptacle connector 3 are locked together in the first position P1. The third volume 22 and the second volume 35 are evacuated. The vacuum of the third volume 22 is confirmed. The shut-off valves 8 and 23 are then opened.

The first position P1 is unlocked so that the first engagement element 26 and the first counter engagement element 27 are no longer engaged with each other. The vacuum pulls the coupling device 2 into the second position P2. A check is made as to whether the coupling device 2 is positioned relative to the receptacle connector 3 in such a way that the second engagement element 28 and the second counter engagement element 29 are engageable with each other. In this case, the coupling device 2 is locked in the second position P2. A pressure retention test and dead space flushing are performed. The stop or end of the coupling operation can be indicated through a display or the like.

After coupling, a refueling operation can be performed. The refueling operation can be triggered automatically or by the start/stop button 20 . Triggering may be displayed through the aforementioned display. Cryogenic fluid delivery can only be started, and can also be stopped again. The stop may be displayed, for example, by a display or the like.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it may be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims.

Claims (12)

A coupling device (2) for a cryogenic refueling device (1) comprising: a main valve (9), an exhaust valve (10) discharging a volume (33) provided downstream of the main valve (9) and the exhaust valve (10) to prepare the coupling device (2) for refueling operation, a housing (4) enclosing an additional volume (7) in which the main valve (9) and the exhaust valve (10) are arranged, and provided in the housing (4) and to the housing (4) Coupling device (2), in which the volume (7) surrounded by has a shut-off valve (8) accessible thereby. Coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust valve (10) is pneumatically actuated. 3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a coupling (14) leading away from the main valve (9), the coupling (14) being arranged in the volume (7) surrounded by the housing (4), the coupling (14) being accessible by the shut-off valve (8). 4. The coupling device according to claim 3, further comprising a line (17) running from the exhaust valve (10) towards the coupling (14) and in fluid communication with the coupling (14), wherein the volume (33) is provided downstream of the main valve (9), the exhaust valve (10) being surrounded by the coupling (14) and the line (17). 5. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing (4) has a first wall (5) and a second wall (6) accommodated in the first wall (5), the main valve (9) and the exhaust valve (10) being arranged inside the second wall (6). 6. Coupling device according to claim 5, wherein the second wall (6) encloses the volume (7) surrounded by the housing (4). 7. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main valve (9) and the exhaust valve (10) are arranged in parallel with respect to each other. A cryogenic refueling device (1) having a coupling device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a receptacle connector (3) to which the coupling device (2) can be coupled. The first corresponding element 26 of claim 8, wherein the reception portion connector 3 includes a first corresponding element 27 comprising the first corresponding element 26, the coupling apparatus 2 comprises the first corresponding element 27, and the first equivalent element 26 is the first corresponding method in the first position P1 of the coupling apparatus 2. Incorporating the rim element 27, the ultra -temperature re -oil device. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the coupling device (2) comprises a second engagement element (28), the receptacle connector (3) comprises a second mating engagement element (29) corresponding to the second engagement element (28), the second engagement element (28) engages the second mating engagement element (29) in a mating manner at a second position (P2) of the coupling device (2) different from the first position (P1). Lee, a cryogenic refueling device. 11. The cryogenic refueling device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling device (2) and the receptacle connector (3) are further pushed into each other in the second position (P2) than in the first position (P1). 12. Cryogenic refueling device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the refueling operation can only be started at the second position (P2).